New study suggests yorkies need tooth brushing at young age

Forty-nine Yorkshire terrier dogs were evaluated in this study. Each dog was assessed under general anesthesia two to five times between 37 and 78 weeks of age. The extent of gingivitis and periodontitis evaluated through examination and gingivitis was measured using time to bleeding on probing.  Periodontitis was based probing depth, gingival recession and furcation exposure.

Of the 49 dogs evaluated at 37 weeks of age, 98% had at least one tooth or aspect with early periodontitis. The average percentage of teeth with periodontitis in the mouth was 29.6% with 95% confidence interval. The odds of early periodontitis was 2.74 times higher at 78 weeks of age compared to 37 weeks of age.

The canine teeth had a significantly higher probability of periodontitis compared to all other tooth types at both 37 and 78 weeks of age. In addition, at the same time points, the incisors had a significantly higher probability of periodontitis compared to the molars and premolars.

This study suggests that dogs that are susceptible to developing periodontitis, such as Yorkshire terriers, would benefit from preventative efforts, such as tooth brushing.